Written by: Cheryl Meyer, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Happy summer. Get back outdoors to enjoy nature again.
It is time to get out into our forests and to enjoy the art of “Forest Bathing.”[i]
There are many health benefits of forest bathing, both psychological and physical.
Research shows that “forest bathing” positively creates calming neuro-physiological effects through changes in our nervous system, reducing the stress hormone cortisol and boosting the immune system.[ii]
Trees Shower (or bathe) themselves in an antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial compound called phytoncides and is a way that trees combat disease. When people breathe in these chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells or NK. These work to thwart cancer. Other chemicals called “terpenes” are released by some plants. Terpenes come from leaves, pine needles, tree trunks, and thick bark. They are also released by bushes, herbs, shrubs, mushrooms, mosses, and ferns. They enter our bodies through our skin and our lungs. Terpenes are anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and neuroprotective. Terpenes are also anti-cancer chemicals.[iii]
The benefits of “forest bathing” include:[iv]
Boosted immune system
Reduced blood pressure
Reduced stress
Improved mood
Reduced anger
Reduced anxiety
Helps fight cancer cells
Increased ability to focus, even in children with ADHD
Accelerated recovery from surgery or illness
Increased energy level
Improved sleep
Deeper and clearer intuition
Increased capacity to communicate with the land and its species
Increased happiness
Improved mood and an excellent antidote for depression
Reduced cortisol, your stress hormone.
These chemicals vary by season, which makes sense. Terpenes are highest in the summer and lowest in the winter.
When you get back into nature, take the time to use all your senses and to enjoy how the air feels on your skin, see the beauty of the forest; feel the textures of the forest- “feel a tree trunk;” put your hands into the dirt or take your shoes off and “ground.” Smell the fragrance of the forest. Use your time to reconned to the earth.
Take long breaths deep into the abdomen. Extending the exhalation of air to twice the length of the inhalation sends a message to the body that it can relax and allows you to enjoy the experience completely.
Forest bathing can be a shared or group activity.
Forest bathing can spark creativity and or problem-solving.
Forest bathing promotes wellbeing.
This is information from my 7x award-winning book Feeling Good Living Low Toxin. Available on Amazon.
I have many tips to help you return to health. Set up your first complimentary appointment today. Once I hear your health history, we tailor a program just for you.
Want to learn more from Cheryl? Email her at Cherylmhealthmuse@gmail.com and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and connect with her on LinkedIn!
Cheryl Meyer, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Cheryl Meyer suffered from autoimmune disease. By eliminating hundreds of toxins, she reversed her pain. Cheryl has a BA from UC-Berkeley and is a health coach from IIN. Cheryl is an award-winning author, international bestseller, health coach, speaker, local tv host, and guest podcaster. Cheryl has written four books on health and toxins available here. Her podcast is on Voice America. Cheryl specifically works with clients with chronic illness giving them hope and helping them find solutions. It is never too late to start healthy habits. Cheryl is available to speak about the toxins in our world that are making us ill. She is a sought-after expert on toxins, in our food, cleaning, water, minds, including toxic stress and toxic lack of sleep. She also talks about the impact of toxins on our children and our pet’s health. Contact Cheryl for one on one coaching or speaking at cherylmhealthmuse@gmail.com. Eliminating toxins is a crucial step to regain wellness.
References: [i] https://www.growwilduk.com/blog/5-simple-steps-practising-shinrin-yoku-forest-bathing [ii] https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-forest-bathing [iii] https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-science-of-forest-bathing [iv] http://www.shinrin-yoku.org/shinrin-yoku.html
